Hindu Creation Story

There are many Hindu creation stories, and all these stories are present in the Hindu scriptures. According to the Rig Veda, one of the Hindu scriptures, there is just one truth, but the sages can be called by different names. This maxim explains why Hindus can accept so many Hindu creation stories together. Many of the stories are viewed as metaphors that explain spiritual as well as philosophical truth.

According to one Hindu creation story in the Rig Veda, the universe was made from Purusha, who is said to be a cosmic being with 1,000 heads, 1,000 eyes and 1,000 feet. From this cosmic being’s arms, feet, thighs and mouths the 4 classes of Hindu society emerged, and each class has it own place according to the order of the universe.
Another Hindu creation story mentioned in the Chandogya Upanishad states that initially the universe did not exist. Then it came into existence and went on to form an egg. The egg laid idle for a year and thereafter it broke open. From the egg emerged a silver and gold part. The former turned into the earth, while the latter turned into the sky. All the other parts of the egg were responsible for forming different features of earth and heaven. The sun and other living beings came from the egg.

According to the Brhadarnyaka Upanishad, initially the primordial being was alone. On realizing his loneliness, he went on to create a woman using his body. This led to the creation of human beings. The woman then tried to hide from the man by turning into a cow. So, the man turned into a bull. The two forms mated and this gave rise to the cattle. The woman then became into a mare, the man turned into a stallion and this union brought forth the single-hoofed creatures. Like this the man and the woman changed their form and through their union different living beings came into existence on earth.

Some of the Hindu creation stories claim that the universe was formed by a living being, while others claim that the universe was formed by a non-living being. All these stories are mentioned in the Chandogya Upanishad and Hindus all over the world accept these stories without getting confused or puzzled. The way the universe was created allows the Hindus to embrace the meaning as well as purpose of the universe.

Another Hindu creation story mentions about Lord Shiva. He is the god of death. It is said that Lord Shiva first took away all the elements that he thought were useless and old. Once this was done, it paved way for the birth of new beings and things. Basically, this supports the Hindu philosophy of creation, which states that in order for things to be born, death is required. With death comes rebirth. This also lends support to the Hindu philosophy of making sacrifices. The sacrifices are necessary in order to sustain life.

According to the Hindu Vegas, there are many historical figures and events in Hinduism. Perhaps, the most popular one is the Mahabharata that was penned by Srila Vyasadeva. The Mahabharata is an epic poem that describes the lives of Pandavas and relatives of Lord Krishna. It also covers other topics, such as politics, history and military strategies. More..